Sundance, Hot Springs, Jacuzzi?

[ksand]

Hi ya'll, I live in Northeast Louisiana, GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!! sorry, had to throw that in for super bowl tomorrow,,,,

i am in the market for a hot tub, looking at the Burlington by Sundance quoted at $6199.00, the J335 by Jacuzzi, quoted at $7000.00 plus tax of 10% these hot tubs are not feature laden, and not large by any means,,,,,but they will NOT budge on the price and will NOT throw any extras in...the hot springs (can't remember what model) was 7800.00 I wanted a smaller tub for just hubby and I, we are both heavier, but short, like the sundance cause of the one lounger for hubby, he has achilles tendonitis, arthritis and I have fibromyalgia and arthritis. WAnted a 3 person tub but don't want to feel crowded so that is why we were looking at the 5-6 person spas,,,we want good strong jets, especially on the feet (hubby has heel spurs also)have 3 spa stores near here, and they each will not budge on prices,,,if they would come down a little or throw in ozone or something else good I might feel better about the purchase, but they act like I am getting a deal.. am I at that price??????? want something reliable,,,help me please,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[CMACD]

Wow, that stinks. I am in NJ and the dealers here automatically include stairs, cover, coverlifter, ozonator and chemicals. We looked at Hot Spring and Sundance. Do any of your dealers have 2009 floor models they want to clear out? We are getting a 2009 Sundance Hartford for $5995 with all of the above included. Hot springs was more pricey, but they do have a new line called Hot Spot coming out that seems more economical ($4995 for the Tempo).

Good luck, sounds like some soaking would be good therapy for you two!

Also, good luck with the Super Bowl

[ksand]

Wow, that stinks. I am in NJ and the dealers here automatically include stairs, cover, coverlifter, ozonator and chemicals. We looked at Hot Spring and Sundance. Do any of your dealers have 2009 floor models they want to clear out? We are getting a 2009 Sundance Hartford for $5995 with all of the above included. Hot springs was more pricey, but they do have a new line called Hot Spot coming out that seems more economical ($4995 for the Tempo).

Good luck, sounds like some soaking would be good therapy for you two!

Also, good luck with the Super Bowl

they are only letting a cover and start up chemicals come with that price, no 2009 models available, they will not budge,,,wondering about the jacuzzi j230 it looks nice enough online and might be cheaper,,,,we are gonna have to build a deck, pour a concrete pad and I want a roof on the deck for use when it rains. husband is having a fit about the price, I think it would be worth it, but he is concerned about plopping down that much cash for a hot tub. I hurt so bad I am ready to pay ANYTHING for relief!!you'd think that paying cash they would come off a little bit.

[CMACD]

they are only letting a cover and start up chemicals come with that price, no 2009 models available, they will not budge,,,wondering about the jacuzzi j230 it looks nice enough online and might be cheaper,,,,we are gonna have to build a deck, pour a concrete pad and I want a roof on the deck for use when it rains. husband is having a fit about the price, I think it would be worth it, but he is concerned about plopping down that much cash for a hot tub. I hurt so bad I am ready to pay ANYTHING for relief!!you'd think that paying cash they would come off a little bit.

I don't know anything about Jacuzzi. My husband is balking about the costs too. The pad for ours is going to be $600, electrical is $750 (mainly because our electrical box is in the basement and the basement has a finished fixed ceiling). Haven't gotten the quote for the decking yet, but I'm hoping its less than $2,000 for a small Trex!

[gman]

If you go through this forum and read related threads, you will see the two following suggestions made repeatedly to any person purchasing any new hot tub:

1) Wet Test!

2) Good Dealer support.

You probably know this already, but since it hasn't been mentioned yet, both you and your husband need to wet test any tub you intend to buy. Dry-testing in a tub is a start, but the "feel" of each tub will be considerably different when you are sitting in water. You should also test ALL seat positions and ALL jet positions and jet configurations and combinations to get a real sense of what the tub will provide YOU.

You will own your tub for many years so its advisable to get a tub that has local dealer support. Just know that not all local dealers provide the same quality of service (as in any business). Since you have located dealers in your area that carry the Hot Springs and Sundance brands (both very good tubs IMHO), I suggest the following strategy:

Since these local dealers you've visited are unwilling to budge on the price, you might want to expand your search of Hot Springs and Sundance dealers to the surrounding vicinity (i.e., within a 50 - 100 mile radius). Speak to those dealers to see what they have to offer and at what price. A little competition from different dealers usually performs wonders in moving a salesman from a the hard line position. I wouldn't be surprised if both local and remote dealers won't be more willing to offer a better deal if they know you're a serious buyer willing to purchase elsewhere. As you know, a hot tub is a luxury item. In a poor economy, luxury items are typically the first industries to feel the crunch. Each dealer will know what its respective overhead and costs are and what it must meet to stay in business. Nearby markets can still very greatly in costs of doing business due to taxes, rents, etc.

BTW, I'm not suggesting you negotiate with other dealers in bad faith. There's nothing prohibiting you from buying your spa from a more distant dealer and rely on the local dealer for product support.

Just to underscore one other thing that you've already discovered....the capacity of the number of people listed for each tub does not reflect the "comfortable" capacity of the tub. That listed number refers to what I call the "sardine" capacity. I happen to own the Sundance Optima (listed for 6-7 people). It is very comfortable and roomy with 4. Above that number the occupants start getting "familiar".

As CMACD mentioned, steps, cover, cover lifter, ozonator, chemicals (and stainless steel jet covers, lights, delivery, setup)...these are all features that many dealers will include in their negotiated price. Be aware that there are different styles and/or versions of steps and cover lifters. You want to be clear with the dealer BEFORE the final sales price is determined which versions/styles of each feature are included, if any, with your deal. Make sure all of the features thrown into your sales price are listed on your invoice and receipt.

Good luck with your search. Good luck with your haggling.

gman

[fabio_22]

I did my research (as posted several months ago) and settled on the Jacuzzi J-355. Got it delivered with the startup chemical kit... a Covermate III lift, all for $6800. Great strong jets! Great quality and warranty.

Love this spa. Good luck.

[THE SPA GUY]

I would agree with the above points, but get the final price with what it includes. i am suprised right now they are all staying put. with the way the economy is on hot tub purchasing..either they are selling lots of spas. but there are dealers that this is the price take it or leave it .. sometimes in that case you may move on and check out others within a reasonable distance....as your researching spas buy from the dealer you are comfortble with....happy spa hunting

[spisam]

Hi ya'll, I live in Northeast Louisiana, GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!! sorry, had to throw that in for super bowl tomorrow,,,,

i am in the market for a hot tub, looking at the Burlington by Sundance quoted at $6199.00, the J335 by Jacuzzi, quoted at $7000.00 plus tax of 10% these hot tubs are not feature laden, and not large by any means,,,,,but they will NOT budge on the price and will NOT throw any extras in...the hot springs (can't remember what model) was 7800.00 I wanted a smaller tub for just hubby and I, we are both heavier, but short, like the sundance cause of the one lounger for hubby, he has achilles tendonitis, arthritis and I have fibromyalgia and arthritis. WAnted a 3 person tub but don't want to feel crowded so that is why we were looking at the 5-6 person spas,,,we want good strong jets, especially on the feet (hubby has heel spurs also)have 3 spa stores near here, and they each will not budge on prices,,,if they would come down a little or throw in ozone or something else good I might feel better about the purchase, but they act like I am getting a deal.. am I at that price??????? want something reliable,,,help me please,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I live in south Florida and just bought a Solana TX, 2 person spa, which is part of the Hot Spring family. Members of this forum were very helpful to me. I paid $3400 which included the cover, step, chemicals, ozonator, delivery and set up. The jets are very powerful and the moto massager is wonderful for my back problems. This spa only requires a dedicated standard recepticle.

Go online where you can see lots of deals. Then you can compare makes and models with your local dealers.

[Mikey_in_NY]

Hi ya'll, I live in Northeast Louisiana, GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!! sorry, had to throw that in for super bowl tomorrow,,,,

i am in the market for a hot tub, looking at the Burlington by Sundance quoted at $6199.00, the J335 by Jacuzzi, quoted at $7000.00 plus tax of 10% these hot tubs are not feature laden, and not large by any means,,,,,but they will NOT budge on the price and will NOT throw any extras in...the hot springs (can't remember what model) was 7800.00 I wanted a smaller tub for just hubby and I, we are both heavier, but short, like the sundance cause of the one lounger for hubby, he has achilles tendonitis, arthritis and I have fibromyalgia and arthritis. WAnted a 3 person tub but don't want to feel crowded so that is why we were looking at the 5-6 person spas,,,we want good strong jets, especially on the feet (hubby has heel spurs also)have 3 spa stores near here, and they each will not budge on prices,,,if they would come down a little or throw in ozone or something else good I might feel better about the purchase, but they act like I am getting a deal.. am I at that price??????? want something reliable,,,help me please,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Like CMACD says, take a look at the Hartford and Hawthorne - these are both large tubs (7'8" x 7'8"), the only real difference is the Hawthorne has the lounger. I have the 2009 Hawthorne and could not be happier - more than enough power in the jets, and will seat 4 comfortably (no touching!). You should be able to pick up either of these tubs, with all the bells and whistles (except radio) for around $6,000 exc tax. Like a previous poster mentioned look further afield if you local dealers won't budge - you may end up paying a couple hundred $ for delivery, but that's not a big deal if the price is right.

[ksand]

Hi ya'll, I live in Northeast Louisiana, GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!! sorry, had to throw that in for super bowl tomorrow,,,,

i am in the market for a hot tub, looking at the Burlington by Sundance quoted at $6199.00,

I just acquired a Burlington for $5120 + tax (purchased 12/09, but is the new 2010 model) delivery included. I also purchased a pool at the same time, but the deals were made on the pool side of the cost (Free solar cover, free winter cover, free liner upgrade, free salt, free aqua bug) I think your local dealers are in cahoots and padding their prices. While I didn't get any extras beyond start up chemicals, I didn't want any anyway. The tub is set next to a raised deck on which I will build a bench/counter, so I didn't need steps. I may look into getting a cover lift, but think I am going to simply build a ramp structure off the side to slide the cover onto when I want to remove it completey. Either way will cost significantly less than the extra $1000 your dealers are wanting.

I was originally looking at the Hawthorne myself, but decided it was too big. Seems to me it quoted out at around $6200. Maybe your dealer was looking at the wrong price.

John

Hey John, that was a great deal, I can get a Burlington in W Monroe, LA at the Sundance dealership for a "sale" price of $6199 plus tax. would really love to get a deal like yours, I love the burlington...how do you like it? What about the foot therapy? Hubby has bad feet, (heel spurs, achilles tendonitis) and they give him fits....they showed me the brochure with the price written on top of each spa page,,,it said $6199.00 plus tax.